How to Get Carpool Lane Stickers

The carpool lane is usually less congested in bad traffic than other lanes.

Carpool lane stickers are stickers placed on a vehicle that allow the vehicle access to the carpool lane when there is only the driver in the car. Usually, the carpool lane is reserved for cars that have two or more individuals in the car. By "carpooling" the individuals are lowering carbon emissions. The carpool lane stickers mean that the vehicle is a low-emissions vehicle and is allowed without a passenger.

Instructions

1. Obtain a hybrid car. Hybrid cars are the lowest possible carbon emission cars. Some vehicles may be ineligible because they have higher emissions. If purchasing a used hybrid, the sticker might already be on the vehicle and the sticker needs to transfer names rather than obtaining a new sticker.

2. Obtain a license plate. The vehicle must have the license plate before it is eligible for the sticker.

3. Complete the application form for the stickers. The application form is available through the state Department of Motor Vehicles website or at a DMV location directly.

4. Turn in the paperwork and pay the fee. Fees will vary based on the state laws and regulations. The sticker is not given at the DMV directly. Wait for it to arrive in the mail. It can take a week or longer before the sticker arrives.

5. Place the sticker on the vehicle. Once the sticker arrives, put it on the car. Only after the sticker is on the vehicle can the car drive in the carpool lane without a passenger.

Tips & Warnings

• State laws differ based on the rules of the state. Information about specific state laws regarding fees and carpool stickers is on the state's DMV website.

References

• California Department of Motor Vehicles: Clean Air Stickers
• Hybrid Cars: Carpool (HOV) Lanes
• California Air Resources Board: Single Occupant Carpool Land Use Stickers